Novel Cost-Effective Model for Training Post-intubation Endotracheal Tube Placement Confirmation

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Emergency Medicine
• Ultrasound Technology

Background:

• Confirming endotracheal tube (ETT) placement is critical in emergency intubation.
• Current confirmation methods like capnography and auscultation have limitations.
• There is a need for accessible and cost-effective training tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel, low-cost training model for ultrasound-guided confirmation of ETT placement.
• To provide an ethical and economical alternative to cadaveric training models.
• To improve healthcare professional training in emergency airway management.

Main Methods:

• Development of a gelatin and psyllium-based intubation simulation model.
• Description of the model's construction and material costs (approx. $7.34 per unit).
• Preliminary testing to simulate tracheal and esophageal intubation scenarios.

Main Results:

• The developed model successfully simulates adult ETT intubation scenarios.
• The model demonstrates potential for training ultrasound-guided ETT placement confirmation.
• The cost-effectiveness and accessibility of the model were highlighted.

Conclusions:

• The novel, low-cost simulation model offers a promising solution for training healthcare professionals in ultrasound confirmation of ETT placement.
• This ethical and economical model can enhance training and potentially improve patient outcomes in emergency settings.
• Further validation and adoption in medical education are recommended.